ESET has partnered with Axiom Telecom, the region’s leading mobile reseller, to drive awareness on the vital need for mobile protection in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

With the GCC’s two most populated countries also boasting region-leading mobile penetration rates, the personal data and sensitive information processed on smartphones and tablets has made the Gulf nations attractive target for potential cyber attackers.
According to ESET’s Trends for 2016: (In)Security Everywhere report, there has been a significant increase in the number of malware variants for mobile platforms with hundreds of malicious apps distributed through official stores. In 2015, over 500,000 Android users were targeted by fake phishing apps on Google Play which, if installed, would have harvested users’ Facebook log in details and personal information.

As part of the strategic ESET-Axiom partnership, Axiom will distribute ESET Mobile Security hanging cards for Android smartphones and tablets in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, while ESET Mobile Security will be part of Axiom’s value-added services, giving its customers increased ability to enjoy safer technology on a daily basis.

“The UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading the region with 74.6 and 73.6 per cent, respectively, of each nation’s population anticipated to use internet-ready mobile phones and devices by 2018. As the number of devices continues to grow, the challenges people face to keep their information secure also increases,” said Neo Neophytou, Managing Director, ESET Middle East.

“Our partnership with Axiom aims to protect and educate users against the growing number of mobile malware and other threats that many individuals are unaware of,” Neophytou added.

ESET Mobile Security is designed to maximise mobile security and allow users to use their mobile devices in less secure environments. Mobile users are enabled with ESET’s advanced protection as they navigate the Internet, open suspicious email and chat messages, or download apps from third parties.

Established in 1997, Axiom is the Middle East’s leading multi-brand, multi-channel distributor and retailer of mobile telecommunications devices, accessories and telecom services. Axiom’s distribution network provides multiple points of access to the end consumer through three principal routes: the retail channel through a variety of brands and store formats; a micro-distribution channel via independent stores; and a macro-distribution channel serving wholesalers for domestic and international sales.